2014 Virginia Code
Title 19.2 - Criminal Procedure
§ 19.2-216. Definition of indictment, presentment and information


VA Code § 19.2-216 (2014) What's This?

An indictment is a written accusation of crime, prepared by the attorney for the Commonwealth and returned "a true bill" upon the oath or affirmation of a legally impanelled grand jury.

A presentment is a written accusation of crime prepared and returned by a grand jury from their own knowledge or observation, without any bill of indictment laid before them.

An information is a written accusation of crime or a complaint for forfeiture of property or money or for imposition of a penalty, prepared and presented by a competent public official upon his oath of office.

1975, c. 495.

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